In 2022, I quit my job to fulfill my longtime dream of traveling the world full-time for a year and a half. My journey through 12 countries in Asia and six in South America cost exactly $34,563.38.
I stayed meticulous about one thing from beginning to end: I tracked every penny I spent, from a $600 flight to a 50-cent trip to the bathroom.
I spent an average of about $1,920 per month, which is about my typical monthly budget living very frugally in LA and previously, in NYC. To make ends meet and save for my trip, I rented in uncool parts of town and lived with roommates in small spaces for five years. I ate out a couple times a week and only made coffee at home, unless I was working from a café.
Here’s everything I spent during my 18 months in South America and Asia, broken down by category.
Chandi Hotel in Bali, Indonesia; Hoianian Central Villa in Hoi An, Vietnam; and S2 Residence in Krabi, Thailand.
There were outliers too. For example, I paid just $9 per night for a hotel of similar quality a block from the beach, in Da Nang, Vietnam.
Similar quality hotels cost closer to $50 to $100 per night in the major hubs of Brazil, China, Korea, Japan, and Singapore. Luckily, my mom or husband joined me in all these places except Brazil, and we split the bill.
Temple Coffee in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and Milu by Nook in Bali. I usually paid $7 to $10 for an entrée and non-alcoholic drink. Meals at no-frills spots or night markets where many locals eat typically cost me $2.50 to $6. Night market treats cost about $1 per serving.
I tried fine dining a couple times, paying just $12 for lunch and $22 for dinner for exquisite multi-course meals in Bolivia.
I often ordered fancy lattes at trendy cafés for about $2. I was surprised to learn that my iced latte habit only added up to $411 in 18 months.
I drank alcohol about once a week, paying around $5 at mid-range restaurants and bars, and $10 to $12 at the most high-end venues.
